beowulf summary

UNSM/ FEH - LANGUAGE SCHOOL

History of English Literature: “Beowulf”


BEOWULF WAS WRITTEN IN OLD ENGLISH, SO THIS WORK

HAS BEEN BASED ON THE TRANSLATION, FROM ITS

ORIGINAL VERSION, BY DR. DAVID BREEDEN.

BASICALLY, TWELVE STUDENTS OF LANGUAGE SCHOOL

HAVE WORKED ON THIS WORK AND FOUR EPISODES, OF

TWELVE, HAVE BEEN SUMMARIZED; FROM THE EARLY

HISTORY OF THE DANES TO THE DEATH OF GRENDEL.

Euler Castillo P.

CONTENT

PART I:

- Early History of the Danes.

- Hrothgar becomes king of the Danes.

PART II:

- Grendel attacks.

- Beowulf hears of Grendel.

PART III:

- Beowulf comes to Herot.

PART IV:

- Grendel attacks again.



BEOWULF

PART I

EARLY HISTORY OF THE DANES


In ancient times there were Danish

kings who were warriors. Shield,

the son of Sheaf, fought against his

enemies and managed to succeed.

He became a good king.

Grain was famous throughout the north,

who was sent by God to comfort and

protect his people from fear. He was

respected and did right for his people.

Young princes did good things while

they are young so that they were

supported by people when they were

old in time of war.

Succeed depends on our good deeds.

Shield died and went to God. He was carried by

his people to the sea where a well-built ship adorned with gold and


.


Shield died and went to God. He was

carried by his people to the sea

where a well-built ship adorned with

gold and full of treasures, also his

weapons that he used when he was

a warrior was waiting for him which

was his last request for long trip. He

was sent out a naked orphan in an

empty boat and once dead he was

given to the sea surrounded by many

treasures.

After a long time Shield´s death, Grain

his son succeeded and ruled over the

Danes. To Grain was born the great

Healfdene who was a brave warrior

and ruled almost his whole life.

Healfdene had four children Heorogar,

Hrothgar, Halga the Good, and a

daughter who married Onela, King of

the Swedes.


HROTHGAR BECOMES KING OF THE DANES


Hrothgar was king and defeated his

enemies. He was respected and

was obeyed by his family and

people. His childhood friends

became his famous soldiers.

Hrothgar built a mead-hall and was the

biggest construction in the world where

he shared out everything for his

people, except for public lands and

men’s lives.

That building was built by tribes throughout the world. Hrothgar

called the building “Herot” the hart, which was the world´s

greatest mead-hall.

Hrothgar kept his word. He gave out gold and treasure at huge

feasts. (Though destruction awaited, fire and swords of family

trouble; and outside in the night waited a tortured spirit of hell).

The words of the poet, the sounds of the harp,

the joy of people echoed. Everything was

happy in Hrothgar´s people. The poet told

about the origin of the world how God made

the earth and the water surrounding, how He

set the sun and the moon as lights for people

and adorned the earth with limbs and leaves

for everyone until one day Grendel, possessor

of the moors,“the demon” started crimes.


PART II

GRENDEL ATTACKS


Grendel belonged to a race of monsters

and was exiled from humanity by God

for his bad deeds. He was considered

like evil being such as monsters, elves,

zombies, the giants who fought with

God.


One night, after the Danes were at

a beer party they settled and slept

in the hall, they did not know that

there were sorrows in this world.

Suddenly, the evil creature

appeared, cruel and hungry, who took thirty warriors and

went to his lair laughing.

At dawn, the Danes knew how

strong Grendel was, people wept

and the old king felt sad and cried

for his men. The creature had left

his bloody footprints.

That was considered but the following

night Grendel continued to kill more

men he was blinded by sin, he didn’t

even feel guilty for what he was doing

(you can bet the survivors started

sleeping elsewhere) so this time

Grendel began to rule, fighting night, one against many and

the hall stood empty, because nobody wanted to sleep there

at night for fearing of the creature.



Twelve years had passed and Hrothgar kept on suffering

many sorrows there was no longer happiness

Hrothgar suffering the greatest of

sorrows poets sang sad song in

every part of the world how

Grendel would make Hrothgar

suffer. There was no warrior who

no matter how much stronger, could kill Grendel. Grendel

didn’t seem to stop to kill or pay his harms and Grendel kept

on attacking from hiding.

Grendel, the cruelest of all injuries, went and stayed there

every night (God would never allow this to actually touch the

throne).

Hrothgar felt tamed, council after

council didn’t know what to do against Grendel´s attacks. They did everything to end the evil creature, such us going to heathen temples, worshipping idols and invoking the Devil for help. They forgot God (woe be to those who go to



the fire´s embrace, even in great distress. There was no consolation there).

There was no counselor, no warrior

who could destroy the evil. They

wept and seethed.

BEOWULF HEARS OF GRENDEL.

There was a warrior by the name of

Hylegac who heard of Grendel´s

thing, he was the strongest of all who

had survived until that day he was

mighty and noble. He calls for a ship

for crossing the ocean and helping the king. Wise men urged

him and forecast omens and encourage him in that journey.

So the good Geat chose the bravest

warriors (fourteen in total), and led

them to the land´s brim, to the ship.

They readied the ship, bore bright

weapons, and fitted armor into the

ship and the warriors stood at the prow.History of English Literature: “Beowulf”


When the ship was ready the men

shoved it was the journey they´d

dreamed of the journey continued

until the seafarers saw land, the

shore cliffs were shining there were

also steep mountains when the

journey was already over the ship was pulled to the shore.

The Geat warriors stood on land wearing rattling shirts which

were their war- clothes. So they gave thanks to God for they

had arrived and safe there.

When the sea-guard of the Danes,

the protector of the cliffs, saw people

with bright shields nearing to his hall,

he wondered who they were. Hrothgar´s warrior rode his horse and

headed for the shore.

Spear in hand, he asked who they were, in armor, who come

over the sea-road in that steep keel?



He said that he guarded there so that

no forces hostile to the Danes may

raid. He had never seen such a ship

´s army with warriors without the

permission of his kinsmen.

He noticed

a greater man among them and

was astonished by seeing him just

wearing armor his stature was

peerless. He wished to know what

his linage was because he thought

that they were spies he asked then to hurry and tell him

where they come from.

His name was Beowulf, leader of the host, he said that they

belonged to the Geat nation, and his father, Edgtheow, was a

leader well known among the people.

Beowulf´s father stayed many winters

before he went away, aged, from the

court. Edgtheow was remembered in

every part of the earth. Beowulf said



that they had come with friendly hearts to see his lord,

Hrothgar they asked him to be good counsel to them, and

told him that they had come because they had heard of a

dark enemy in the night who killed the Danes. Beowulf said

that he could help Hrothgar overcome his enemy and

everything would be like before. Otherwise, he would suffer

great misery as long as he lived in that place.

The protector of the coast, still riding his horse (a wise shield warrior, one who thinks well, must judge two things: works and words). He saw that they were friendly to Hrothgar and said that he would guide and order his men to protect his ship.

Once there they left the ship pulling

at its rope they were wearing gold, adorned helmets and figures of

boars shone on the helmets.



The men excitedly marched and in the distance they saw that

decorated hall which was that the finest and glittered light

one, never seen before on earth.

The guard of the coast decided to

go back he turned his horse and

said that it was time for him to go.

He prayed the father omnipotent

would keep them safe and sound

against his enemies.

PART III

BEOWULF COMES TO HEROT

Beowulf got into the Herot with his

warrior, they seems like an iron troop

because of their weapons and

armors.



Then the king’s officer and

messenger asked them: from where

they brought such a amazing war

weapons and he expects they were

there to fight, cause he has never

seen such a braver warriors.

One warrior answered him: we are

Hygelac’s companions, my name is

Beowulf. I will declare my errand if your

prince, my lord will greet us.

Then wulfgar ( wendla tribe man ),

with fighting experience and wisdom,

went to ask to the giver of rings so that,

the lord of Danes would reward their

journey.

Wulfgar went to where Hrothgar sat,

with his most trusted men, a man of the

Geats, the chief of warrior named



Beowulf, came from far far over the sea’s expanse and they

asked to talk to you, then the lord asked if they were worthy

of being called warriors.

Hrothgar, the king, said that he knew

Beowulf dad, who gave his only

daughter and none his offspring came

here to save us from the monster

Grendel and also the seafarers said

that this man has an amazing force( 30

men in his hand grip) and the king

welcomed and offered treasures gifts to him for his

impetuous courage.

Wulfgar went to the door to talk to the

king and he said that he knew their

descent and their welcome, please

come in, but let your war weapons

await.

Then, Beowulf arose, supported by his band of mighty

men, some of them to were about to use their



weapons, but Beowulf ordered to

calm down.

Then the great warrior, under his helmet and coat of mail, stood and went to Hrothgar.

Beowulf spoke: I’m Hygelac’s kinsman and warrior, I have

undertaken many glorious deeds as

you know, I know all about Grendel, I

ask you, my lord, to fight by myself

with the monster, please don’t refuse

us, enemy against enemy and let god

decide who shall be taken by death: If

death and battle, takes me, you must do a special burial and

send my war Garments to Hygelac’s.

Beowulf also told Hrothgar, about his deeds when he

destroyed a family of giants and killed water monsters.



Hrothgar, protector of the Danes said that ,Beowulf’s father

was his friend, and was a good warrior too and has fought

with monster as well.

Hrothgar felt bad about Grendel’s horror, losing a lot of loyal

men. Now the king invited Beowulf: sit and feast, glory of

warriors, and speak your thoughts as your heart tells you.

Then the Geats and brave men sat

down.

Suddenly, Beowulf took a cup and

poured sweet drink the poet song in

clear voice, there was such joy, so

brave men, Danes and Geat

celebrated.

Then Unferth, Ecglaf’s son, asked some

questions to Beowulf with envy:

• Are you that Beowulf who

struggled with



Brecca in the broad sea in a swimming contest?

• The one who, out of pride, risked his life in the deep

water though both friends and enemies tol you it was too

dangerous?

• Are you the one who hugged the sea, gliding through

the boiling waves of the winter’s swell?

And Unferth also said that he doesn’t expect much from him if

he dares await Grendel in the night.

Beowulf spoke: well my friend

Unferth, yes, I’m

Beowulf who walked with Brecca in

the board sea, but

• I’m stronger than him, because he was weaker

than me at the sea nights.

• I’m who risked his life, losing a friend, suffering

pain.



You don’t know the other part of the story, where I have a lot

of hardships, suffered 5 nights in the sea killing nine sea

monster with such a cold weather. I am a stronger warrior.

The king felt glad because he could

count on Beowulf help and the guardian

felt sure and glad also as well.

Then the men laughed, and the words

turned friendly.

Suddenly, Wealhtheow, Hrothgar’s

queen appears adorned in

gold to greet the men.

First she gave the cup

to the country's guardian.

She greeted Beowulf, thanking god, because her wishes had



Been fulfilled, a heroe came to save them from Grendel’s

crimes.

So, Beowulf said eagerly of battle:

I alone, will fulfill the wish of your

people or die in the foe´s grasp.

The queen liked those words and went

to sit by her lord.

Now again, people were happy

because of the brave speech of

Beowulf once again, the warriors

continued feasting until Beowulf

decided to rest.

Hrothgar knew that a strong battle was

coming, when the night arrived.



Then all the warrior saluted to each

other and the king Hrothgar wished

luck to Beowulf in the fight for the hall

and said these words:

“Never, since I have been able to lift shield, have I entrusted

this hall, this mighty house of the Danes, to any man, but now

I entrust it to you, so you must do your best.

Then Hrothgar and his band of warrior left the hall.



Before Beowulf got in bed prayed and spoke some brave words:

“I don’t claim myself any lower in

strength or brave deeds than Grendel.

Therefore I will kill him without a sword,

just with my strength if he comes without

weapons. Wise God shall choose who

shall win glory”.

Then Beowulf got to bed and his brave

warriors sought rest around him,

everyone though Beowulf will die cause

many brave and strong Danes warrior

have died there, but the Lord, God,

would give to the Geat and Danes

people, helping and supporting , (it is well known that God

always rules the race of men) .



PART IV

GRENDEL ATTACKS AGAIN

Grendel the walker of darkness arrived

at Heorot in the night while all the

warriors were sleeping, all except one.

Grendel was a monster that come again watched in anger but

what he didn’t know is that Beowulf was waiting to fight

against him.

Grendel came from the moor Hills, under the misty hill,

to counteract with all the men of Heorot.

He walked under the clouds, coming to the Wine-hall, the

treasure-hall. It was not the first time that Grendel was

looking for Hrothgar’s home, but this time, never in his life

before, he did find worse luck.



The creature entered to the building with bad intention and

enraged, he swung at the door wide and rapidly moved

around the floor. He saw many warriors were sleeping

together.

He expected to finish with the life of these warriors, by

ripping life from the body of each one. He thought to have a

big meal, but what he didn’t know is that, he would eat no

men after that night.

The powerful warrior Beowulf was observing how the

malignant monster began to eat a warrior, crushing his

bones, drinking his blood and swallowing enormous

morsels of meat, including his hands and feet.

Grendel, the walker of darkness approaching increasingly

towards Beowulf to begin a fight.

The powerful Beowulf grasped his arm

and snatched it. Grendel, then, felt the

great strength of his hilt, felt fear in his

heart and just looking for ways to flee to



his hiding place. Grendel had never met this kind of

man.

Beowulf kept in mind the speeches he had made in the

evening. He firmly grasped Grendel’s hand and holding the

arm as well, the fingers broke.

The monster tried very hard to escape,

but Beowulf stepped closer to him. The

monster wanted to flee to the swamps

and disappear because he realized the

great power of the warrior.

After the battle between Beowulf and Grendel the whole city

was in fear, the beautiful building did not fall to the ground.

Nobody thought that the great building would be destroyed

because it was well built and decorated in gold.

The panic was invading in Heorot.

Grendel, hell’s friend, God’s enemy,

sang his defeat. The whole world

listened to his lament. The most

powerful man of all the warriors

celebrated Grendel's defeat.



The warriors tried to protect Beowulf and were trying to kill

Grendel, those brave warriors as they fought seeking to take

Grendel's soul.

Miserable life, Grendel, the foe of God, started to face and

found that he already hadn’t gotten the sufficient force. His

body was not resisting to the powerful force of Beowulf.

The horrible monster endured a terrible wound, for certain,

that his life came to an end when Beowulf injured him deadly.

Grendel knew that the victory was Beowulf’s.

The Danes put all the hopes in Beowulf, because he was the

one who brought peace, finished with all the Heorot's

problems, and saved them from affliction. Beowulf was

acclaimed because he had fulfilled his promise sworn to the

Danes; every evil attack these people endured had come

now to an end.

When Beowulf laid that arm and shoulder down Grendel's

claw, under the vaulted roof.

THE WARRIORS REJOICE



The warriors come from near and far places and also close to

see the great death of Grendel.

The fingerprints that Grendel had left were evident, the

bloody tracks that existed in the way and in the waters were

the evidence; Grendel had died, deprived of joy, in his fen

refuge.

The warriors after seeing that place returned to Heorot, They

said that Beowulf is a brave and holy man, and that there was

no man in the world, with the force that Beowulf had, was

more worthy

The warriors made a contest for the best horse, Sometimes a

king's man, a warrior covered in glory who knew the old

traditions, would be reminded of an ancient song.

Then he sang of things he'd heard about Sigemund's

valorous deeds, things about Weals's son, his struggles, his

wide journeys and feuds. After Sigemund's death day not a

little fame sprang to him, about his hardy fight and killing of a

dragon, keeper of a hoard.

Sigemund's sword went clear through the huge dragon, the

dragon died violently. By brave deeds the hero won a ring

hoard for himself.



He bore into a ship's bosom those bright treasures of the

Weal kin, and the dragon melted of its own heat.

Sigemund was by far the most renowned adventurer, He had

first prospered under King Heremod, and Among the Jutes

Heremod was betrayed into enemy hands and put to death.

Sorrow oppressed him and was a trouble to his people. He

had loved the Geats more than his own people: evil had

seized him. Thus told the song.

The warriors raced their horses on the yellow road; many a

brave warrior went to the high hall to see the wonder. So also

the king and Queen left the room with his famous company

with a troop of maidens walked among the mead seats.

TO BE CONTINUED…

PRIMARY CHARACTERS:

Beowulf: a Geat, son of Edgetho and nephew of Higlac,

king of the Geats. Higlac is both Beowulf’s feudal lord and his

uncle.

Brecca: chief of the Brondings, a tribe, and Beowulf’s friend.



Grendel: man-eating monster who lives at the bottom of a

foul mere, or mountain lake. His name might be related to the

Old Norse grindill, meaning “storm,” or grenja, “to bellow.”

Herot: golden guest-hall built by King Hrothgar, the Danish

ruler. It was decorated with the antlers of stags; the name

means “hart [stag] hall.” Scholars think Herot might have

been built near Lejre on the coast of Zealand, in Denmark.

Hrothgar: king of the Danes, builder of Herot. He had once

befriended Beowulf’s father. His father was called Healfdane

(which probably means “half Dane”). Hrothgar’s name might

mean “glory spear” or “spear of triumph.”

Unferth: one of Hrothgar’s courtiers, reputed to be a skilled

warrior. His sword, called Hrunting, is used by Beowulf in a

later battle.

Welthow: Hrothgar’s wife, queen of the Danes.

Wiglaf: a Geat warrior, one of Beowulf’s select band, and

the only one to help him in his final fight with the dragon.

Wiglaf might be related to Beowulf.

SOURCE:



http://www.lone-star.net/literature/beowulf/

http://www.shmoop.com/beowulf/characters.html


http://www.shmoop.com/beowulf/characters.html

http://www.lone-star.net/literature/beowulf/

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